LGBTQIA+ Violence

Overview

The Philippines is a conservative, right-leaning country that places emphasis on traditionalism and family bonds

Acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community is rare, and people who identify with it tend to hide their identities because of the effects it can have on their daily life
ay 2025

Transgender violence is extremely prevalent

Currently, there are no national laws in the Philippines specifically addressing gender and sexuality discrimination. This absence of legislation contributes to a pervasive "culture of silence" surrounding issues of sexuality and gender identity. As a result, many individuals feel compelled to keep their identities hidden, hindering their ability to openly explore and express themselves. The lack of legal protection and recognition further perpetuates discrimination and hampers the progress towards a more inclusive society.

LGBTQIA+ individuals frequently experience mistreatment and discrimination, prompting the need for legal measures and local ordinances to address these issues. The proposed Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Bill and the existing Anti-Bullying Law of 2013 aim to provide protection and promote inclusivity. Despite these efforts, many LGBTQIA+ individuals still feel unsafe in various settings, including their workplaces, educational institutions, and communities. Shockingly, statistics show that non-gender conforming and transgender individuals face a 30% chance of being bullied in their workplace. There is a pressing need to continue advocating for equal rights and creating safer spaces for everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Tragically, transgender and non-gender conforming individuals in the Philippines face alarming rates of distress and violence. Studies reveal that they are twice as likely to contemplate suicide, highlighting the urgent need for support and understanding. Shockingly, the country has also witnessed a devastating number of hate crimes targeting transgender individuals, with at least 50 reported cases of murder since 2010. These distressing statistics underscore the importance of promoting acceptance, combating discrimination, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Efforts must be intensified to foster a society that embraces diversity and safeguards the lives of transgender and non-gender conforming people.

More information

Only 15% of Filipinos live in areas that disallow gender identity/sexuality discrimination

Rigid gender norms are enforced in workplaces and schools, leading to increased rates of bullying and suicide

Gendered school uniforms, classes, clubs and activities
- Gender expression such as hair length and color are heavily policed
Gendered dress codes, restrooms, and even certain occupations
- Certain jobs and roles are stereotyped as the domain of men/women
- Gender roles play an important role in Filipino society and are often present in the core values of the country
  - Culture of silence
  - Men are more important/useful than women
  - A woman should be subservient to a man
  - etc…

In the Philippines, the prevalence of sexual violence against queer women is alarmingly high, with approximately 50% of them having experienced such acts. This deeply troubling reality highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and combat gender-based violence in the country. However, the resistance and opposition from influential institutions such as the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) pose significant challenges to progress. The CBCP, as a prominent representative of the Roman Catholic Church, expresses strong opposition to anti-discrimination legislation and inclusive education, thereby creating barriers to achieving equality and protecting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite public claims of support, the Church actively campaigns against same-sex marriage and other forms of love and expression, as well as opposing divorce, euthanasia, abortion, total population control, and homosexual marriage collectively termed under the acronym "DEATH." It is noteworthy that the Catholic Church's influence remains substantial in the predominantly Catholic Filipino society, with approximately 80% of the population adhering to the faith.

It is important to recognize that many of these conservative values and attitudes promoted by the Catholic Church are not indigenous to the Philippines. The Filipino language itself largely adopts a gender-neutral approach, and historical examples, such as the existence of babaylans, showcase the long-standing presence of same-sex relations and non-conventional gender expression in Filipino culture. These indigenous cultural elements highlight the potential for acceptance and inclusivity, providing a compelling counter-narrative to the conservative influence of colonial-era Catholicism. Acknowledging and embracing this rich heritage can contribute to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights and foster a more inclusive society that respects and celebrates diverse identities and expressions of love.

LGBTQIA+ education, although practiced, promotes extremely harmful rhetoric

Endorses readings of religious texts like the Bible that denounce homosexuality and transgenderism as sins
The Philippines has 1,484 registered Catholic schools, 160 Catholic universities
- Though not all are Catholic schools are discriminatory, many Catholic leaders have conservative values and violence against LGBTQIA+ people can flourish

Many LGBTQIA+ movements have lead to real change (such as the SOGIE bill)

Some movements, organizations, and events include:
- Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY)
- Equality Philippines (EqualityPH)
- Various Philippines Pride Parades